Upcoming Events
After School Arts Institute (AAI)
Tue, Sep 6, 2011 - Fri, May 11, 2012
2:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at The King Arts Complex
Afterschool Arts Institute (AAI) Sept. 6, 2011 - May 11, 2012 $10 registration fee $35 per week
Monday-Friday
Cityscapes Yesteryear: Past & Present
Opening Reception:
Thurs, January 12, 2012
6:30 p.m.
The Elijah Pierce Gallery
Jan 12 - Mar 3, 2012
The King Arts Complex, in commemoration of the Columbus Bicentennial and Art for Community Expression (ACE), presents “Cityscapes Yesteryear.” Local painters Harvey Gilliam, Leon Page, Roman Johnson, and photographer Kojo Kamau share a common bond in documenting urban surroundings that connect communities from the 1950’s to the present time. These original works of art capture Columbus’ neighborhoods, homes, landscapes and people of yesteryear.
Remember! Celebrate!  Act! Mission to fulfill
Monday, January 16, 2012
12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the King Arts Complex and the 25th Anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, the King Arts Complex presents the annual MLK Open House. This year’s keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Victor M. Davis of Trinity Baptist Church. The Open House is an excellent opportunity for children, family and friends to share his dream. A vast menu of cultural activities including African dance, modern dance, spoken word and inspirational music will be held in the Nicholson Auditorium and the Pythian Theater. Visitors can participate in the creation of a unique gumball mural project with artist Franz Spohn. Experience a thought-provoking exhibition in the Elijah Pierce Gallery, be informed by our permanent installations and Cargo: Middle Passage, painted by artist Ron Anderson!
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This community event is free and open to the public.
The February Family Film Series – Book to Movies
The February Family Film Series will focus on books that have become movies. In honor of Black History Month the series embraces, reviews and acknowledges the power of literature that has influenced films on cultural and social patterns of our society. The dialogue will be led by community facilitators and/or local media personalities that will provide their expertise in their field, either by knowledge or interest.
Admission is Free
Imitation of Life
Thurs. February 2, 2012Â Â
6 p.m. NR (Not rated, suitable for all audiences)
Lora Meredith meets Annie Johnson a homeless black woman at Coney Island and soon they share a tiny apartment. Each woman has a young daughter, though Annie's little girl Sarah Jane, is by far the worse. Sarah Jane doesn't like being black; since she's light-skinned and she spends the rest of her life passing as white, much to her mother's heartache and shame.
The Great Debaters
Thurs. February 9, 2012Â
6 p.m. PG 13
This film is based on a Tony Scherman article in the 1997 Spring issue of American Legacy. Professor Melvin Tolson coaches the Wiley College debate team to a nearly-undefeated season that sees the first debate between U.S. students from white and Negro colleges. The Wiley debate team ends up with an invitation to face Harvard University's national champions.
The Blind SideÂ
Thurs. February 16, 2012
6 p.m. PG 13
Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy take in a homeless teenage African-American, Michael "Big Mike" Oher. They not only provide him with a loving home, but hire a tutor to help him improve his grades to the point where he would qualify for an NCAA Division I athletic scholarship.
The Help
Sat. February 25, 2012Â
2 p.m. PG 13
Set in Mississippi during the 1960s, a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer, but turns her friends' lives upside down when she decides to interview the black maids who have spent their lives taking care of prominent families in Jackson, Mississippi.
Children’s Matinee
Peace Tree
NR (Not rated , suitable for all audiences)
Thurs. February 9, 2012Â Â Â
10 a.m.
We Shall Overcome
NR (Not rated, suitable for all audiences)
Thurs. February 16, 2012Â Â Â
10 a.m.
Gene Walker Experience
Jazz on the Avenue
Fri, February 17, 2012
7 p.m.
In honor of Columbus Jazz Legend, we present the Gene Walker Experience in collaboration with The Urban Jazz Collective and SCAT. The Gene Walker Big Band, comprised of local jazz greats, will perform classic tunes from Count Basie, Duke Ellington and other classic jazz composers. Gene Walker has toured since 1958 with some of the world's greatest entertainers including The Beatles, King Curtis, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cook, Johnny "Hammond" Smith, Jimmy McGriff, The Drifters, Chris Columbo and The Platters.Â
Ticket Prices:Â $15 Members, $20 Non-Members
“A Soulful Night of Keys” (3 Generations)
Jazz on the Avenue
Sat., March 10, 2012
Pythian Theater
7 p.m.
“A Soulful Night of Keys” (3 Generations) featuring three jazz piano giants, Brian Jackson, Mark Adams, and Lonnie Liston Smith. Join us for an evening of soul, jazz and funk.
Ticket Prices: $20 Members, $25 Non-Members